How to Recognize and Treat Polyneuropathy in Dogs

Polyneuropathy affects a canine’s nerves which can cause a dog to become weak and experience shaking. This condition can be inherited or developed later in a canine’s life. Polyneuropathy can pose a serious health concern to canines so immediate care is required.

Instructions

1. Evaluate your dog for signs of polyneuropathy. Dogs that experience this condition may have tremors of the head and body. This condition can also cause vision issues or blindness in more advanced cases.

2. Take your dog to the vet for an exam. Your doctor should analyze your canine’s urine and blood to make a diagnosis. Keeping your dog calm during the exam can help. Speak to him in a calm voice and stay calm yourself.

3. Partner with the vet to create a treatment plan. If your dog can’t walk he may need hospitalization and intravenous fluids. Dogs that have an underlying immune system condition often respond well to immunosuppressive drugs.

4. Monitor your canine closely. When you bring your canine home from the vet watch him closely for complications. Call your vet if you observe difficulty breathing or tremors.

5. Administer medication as directed. If your dog is prescribed a medication make sure to administer as the vet instructs. Sometimes when a dog starts to feel better we forget to continue the medication. This can cause health complications in your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider not breeding your canine. Since polyneuropathy can be inherited you may want to consider not breeding your dog. Having your canine spayed or neutered will ensure the condition isn’t passed on.

• Reduce your canine’s activity. While your dog is healing don’t encourage him to participate in a lot of activity. Keeping him leashed can assist in preventing excess exercise.